By Kathleen Gresham
Miniature roses are true roses that have been specially bred to stay small. Most mini roses also have smaller flowers than standard rose bushes. Some are quite tiny. They come in a variety of types and colors.
Miniature roses are quite hardy plants despite their small size. In fact, they are more winter hardy than most tea roses. Miniature roses also tend to be repeat bloomers, which is an advantage in adding them to your gardens.
Types of Miniature Roses
One of the joys of growing miniature roses is that you can grow a spectacular variety of colors, sizes and shapes of roses in a very small space. Here are a few of the more popular types of miniatures:
Climbers: Miniature roses with a vertical growth habit. They can be trained to grow against supports.
Miniflora: An American Rose Society classification for newly developed mini roses that have a slightly larger plant and bloom size than miniature roses.
Micro-Mini: The very smallest mini roses.
Trailers: Miniature roses with a cascading growth habit. They are grow beautifully in baskets, in window boxes and over walls.
Planting
In planting your miniature roses, you plant just like full size roses.
- Dig a hole the same depth as the pot the rose came in and about a foot wider.
- Carefully loosen the rose from the pot and remove while gently loosening the roots. If the plant seems to be tightly root bound, use a knife to slit the sides of the root ball and try again to loosen the roots.
- Place the rose bush in the center of the hole with roots spread out.
- Place soil in the hole and press firmly.
- Before applying a layer of mulch be sure to thoroughly water your rose bush.
Feeding
In feeding miniature roses, regular fertilizing is necessary all season. Use general purpose fertilizer or commercial rose food and follow instructions on label.
End feedings approximately six to eight weeks before first expected frost.
Watering
When watering your miniature rose bush, the amount required depends on the local soil and weather. An inch or so of water each week should be enough unless there is a dry spell. Then you need to water more often.
Water the rose bush deeply, so the soil is wet a minimum of 12 to 18 inches below the surface. To prevent fungus, be careful not to wet the leaves during humid weather.
Pruning
Pruning is not a big issue with miniature roses. Prune before new growth starts in early spring. Just trim back about one-third of the plant to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Diseases and Insects
Miniature roses are just as susceptible to diseases as larger roses. Always keep an eye out for early signs of insect damage and treat quickly.
Growing Miniature Roses Indoors
Miniature roses are great in the house too, if they are able to get enough sunlight. But very few homes have a place to grow plants in sunlight for several hours a day. And central heating and air conditioning make many homes too dry for roses to grow well.
So most people are disappointed when they try to grow miniature roses indoors. Remember that, just like full-size roses, miniatures need lots of sun and good humidity.
Most roses that are given as gifts will have a long life if they are transplanted outdoors. Miniature roses, if properly cared for, can give years of enjoyment and bring color, fragrance and vibrancy to your yard, porch or patio.
Lovely and Versatile Miniature Roses
Whether adorning a seaside cottage trellis, adorning the stone at the Vanderbilt House or growing wildly along your fenced driveway, miniature roses offer timeless and spectacular loveliness to the most discriminating gardeners.
